Leadership Salem - Business & Commerce Day (01-15-2026

This yearly leadership development cohort focuses on helping the next generation of leaders multiply their impact. To apply for the next cohort that starts in September, visit our website for more information and to apply online.

Leadership Salem has two primary goals:

1. Preparing motivated individuals to serve in impactful leadership roles throughout our community.
2. Developing key career-long relationships for professionals within vested businesses and nonprofit organizations across the Salem community.

Participants receive a comprehensive overview of the Salem area – its realities, opportunities, and challenges. Leadership Salem is a strategic cohort designed to have participants meet key business, government, and nonprofit leaders and decision-makers, while receiving an introduction to community resources by way of tours, panels, and speakers.

Each of the 10 one-day sessions focuses on a different theme: Team Building, Community History, Legal/Criminal Justice, Natural Resources, Business & Commerce, Local Government, Education, Community Resources, Leadership, and a unique-to-your-cohort Community Project.

The first year concludes with a community service project.

Participants meet once a month for 10 months (September-June) and receive a comprehensive overview of the Salem area’s realities, opportunities, and challenges.

During year two, students become mentors as they help facilitate a session for the next cohort. 

Questions? Reach out to Kelli Gassman, Program Director, at Kelli@SalemChamber.org.